Darjeeling, Sikkim & Kanchenjunga

16 days - from $2450

A spectacular trek to the foot of Kanchenjunga - the world's third highest peak
With valleys ranging from only a few hundred metres above sea level to some of the highest peaks of the Himalaya, the tiny state of Sikkim has incredibly varied scenery. Starting in Darjeeling, the most spectacular of all the Indian hill stations set amongst tea plantations, we then head for the hills. The trek passes through thick forests, with spectacular displays of rhododendrons in spring, up onto the high alpine pastures beneath Kanchenjunga (8598m). From Dzongri we head towards our high base camp near Lake Samiti, where we have time to explore the surrounding glaciers. The high point of the trek is the day walk to the 4940m Goecha La where we come face to face with the immense ice cliffs of Kanchenjunga's south-east face. After the trek we drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Delhi. 2 Fly to Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling. 3 Morning sightseeing, drive to Yoksum. 4-5 Trek through lowland jungle to Tsokha 6 First views of Kanchenjunga from Dzongri (4030m). 7 Trek along the ridges through scrub juniper and rhododendron to Thangshing (3930m). 8 Acclimatisation day with walk to Lam Pokhri Lake. 9 Walk through glacial moraines to our base camp close to Lake Samiti. 10 Trek to the Goecha La (4940m) for superb close-up views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks and glaciers, descend to Thangshing. 11 Descend to Tsokha. 12 Return to Yoksum. 13 Drive to Gangtok. 14 Sightseeing in Gangtok. 15 Drive to Bagdogra; fly to Delhi. 16 End Delhi.

Mode of travel: 9 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 4940m, average 3800m.
Group size: Normally 6 to 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 10 nights camping and 5 nights hotels.
Food: All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 13 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $428.75
Trip Reference: TBK
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: TBK